Lackawaxen Connection

S PR ING 2014

D IS COV E R YO U R TOW N S H I P

New Communications Service Lackawaxen Township utilized a new communications service, effective April 1, 2014 that now allows us to send important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology. The Nixle Community Information Service has allowed us to create and publish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text message and/or email. Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle’s web site at www.nixle.com. Messages may include Severe Weather Alerts as well as other relevant safety and community event information. The service is secure, reliable and easy to use for our group.

The messages can be sent specifically to residents registered within a ¼ mile radius, giving them the opportunity to receive trustworthy information relevant only to their neighborhood. Residents decide from which local agencies they want to receive information. Subscribers can also choose the way in which alerts are received, whether it is by email, text message, or over the web. Nixle builds on the foundations of other public-to-public communication services, such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, but adds a key component: security. When citizens receive information from our agency via Nixle, they know it can be trusted. Residents of Lackawaxen Township and those in neighboring communities can immediately begin receiving pertinent information via text message, email, and web by registering at www.nixle.com. We are very excited to have you experience it for yourself.

Message from the Chairman

By Bob Cocchi, Chairman, Lackawaxen Township Board of Supervisors Welcome to Spring and to our new Supervisor, Mike Mancino, who came on board as of January 6, 2014.

Also joining our team is Camille James, our newly appointed Township Secretary. Rich Krochta, our Road Master, and his road crew, were very busy this winter keeping us safe on the roads. Rich and our Road Crew deserve a heartfelt Thank You! Our Town Hall Meeting which was held on January 30th generated many good suggestions from our community which will be incorporated into our new Township Website and Quarterly Newsletter. I am currently working with a grant writer to secure a grant to continue the work on the Township Park; which is situated on 132 acres adjacent to the Township building on Urban Road.

The Park Committee and I will be meeting again soon to take the next steps in our journey to create our new nature oriented Community Park.

This winter has taken its toll on our old Township building aka “The Chicken Coop” in Lackawaxen. The heavy snow and ice collapsed the roof over the maintenance garage. Removal of the structure is going out for bid. The cost of this removal is covered by our Township Insurance Policy. Just a reminder, Please join us on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm for our Regular Monthly Meeting of The Board of Supervisors.

There is public comment time at the end of the business meeting where questions or concerns may be voiced.

This is a great opportunity for our residents to come and speak with us about any matter they wish. I can be reached at the Township office 570-685-7288.

Eagle Watch Affectionately known as Eagle Joe, he has been photographing Local Bald Eagles along the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers for as far as anyone can remember.

IN THIS ISSUE

Township News Building Department News

2

From the Township Secretary

3

Zoning & Code Enforcement

3

Message from the SEO

4

Road Department News

4

A Message from the EMSC

5

Township Fire Commission and What it Means to You

5

Emergency Responders Club

5

Living Lackawaxen Cheaper Energy is Here!

7

Annual Spring Clean Up Day

7

New Funding Package Improves Roads & More

8

Parks & Recreation Eagle Watch

11

Lackawaxen Township Outdoors

11

See Page 11 for more eagle photos!

Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/lackawaxenconnection

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Building Department News

By Rich Tussel

169 URBAN ROAD, HAWLEY, PA 18428 Main Office: 570-685-7288 Road Dept: 570-685-3200 After Hours: 570-685-7822 Building: 570-685-2990 Zoning: 570-685-2990 Sewage: 570-685-2990 MUNICIPAL MEETINGS: Supervisors meetings Are usually held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Township Building on 169 Urban Rd, Hawley, PA 18428.

Planning Commission meetings Are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

We approve minutes from the previous month at our regular meetings. Our Supervisor meetings are where the regular business of the township are conducted. Comments from the public are of value and often influence public policy and our laws. We encourage residents to attend regular meetings, hearings, and workshops.

PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC. 39 Front St., Port Jervis, New York 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: ads@nikijones.com Lackawaxen Connection is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints.

All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in Lackawaxen Township and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. Lackawaxen Connection reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements.

Finally, spring is here. For many of us, it means springtime projects. Maybe you plan on making that new flower garden you have always wanted or it could be just cleaning up your yard after the long cold winter.

Perhaps you are more ambitious and plan on tackling a project that is long overdue, replacing your old deck with a new one. For many homeowners, the prospect of building a new deck is a task best left to the professionals, for others, it can be a challenging but rewarding experience. One that can save you substantial money and give you the satisfaction of saying “I built that”.

Whichever path you take, professional or do it yourself, please remember that building permits are required.

They are required whether you are building a brand new deck that never existed or even if you are just replacing an old deck with a new one of the exact same size. Many people ask why they must get a permit to replace an existing deck. The answer is simply that a replacement deck is no different than constructing a new deck, in that they are both new construction and both must follow the same guidelines of the current building code. For example, a deck that was built in 1985, more often than not, does not meet the design standards of today, especially in regards to stairs and rails. If a non-conforming deck was to be replaced and built exactly the same as it was in 1985, it would be a violation of the building code and also a liability to the homeowner.

A building permit ensures that the new deck will be built correctly, resulting in a safe deck for everyone.

Another common question from homeowners and contractors, is what constitutes a repair? A repair would be defined as replacing any part of an existing structure for the purpose of it’s maintenance. An example would be, replacing rotted deck boards or fixing a broken tread on a set of stairs. Replacing all your floor joists on your deck is not a repair. That is a structural change and requires a building permit to make sure the structure will be constructed properly. To sum this up, if your deck project does not meet the definition of repair, it requires a building permit. Building permits for decks are relatively easy to obtain. You can go to the Township website and download our building application and our informative Deck Submittal Guide. If you do not have access to the internet or just are not sure if you need a permit, please call the Township at (570) 685-2990 ext 17 and the Building Department will be glad to assist you. Good luck with whatever project spring brings you and most importantly, be safe.

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LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

From the Township Secretary

By Camille James, Lackawaxen Township Secretary As Township Secretary I am essentially the “face of the township” and my goal is to represent the township in a positive way. As Township Secretary, there are many roles to fill. Firstly, my role is to serve as clerk to the Board of Supervisors. I am responsible to record all Township proceedings including the preservation of the minutes of meetings and all documents. I am also responsible for advising the Board of Supervisors of all township meetings including special meetings of the Board of Supervisors.

The position requires me to manage the day to day activities of the township, including answering the questions of callers, directing them accordingly, sending and receiving all official documents and correspondence, scheduling, advertising public notices, managing our zoning, planning and sewage ordinances along with our resolutions. I assist in obtaining grant funding for various projects and purchases for the township. Although I am new to the Township, I am excited about the direction we are heading and thrilled to part of an administration focused on including the thoughts and suggestions of our residents as part of our long term vision. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have a questions or concern. I am happy to assist you and perhaps clarify any matter you may have. My office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8AM-4PM. The best number to reach me is 570-685-7288. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Zoning and Code Enforcement

By Jim Dolan, Lackawaxen Township Zoning and Code Enforcer Recently a friend told me he had read in the newspaper that Rich Tussel and I had been appointed as Zoning Officers. He then asked if we were crazy. “Why?” I asked. He replied” A Zoning Officer has the approval rating of a used car salesman and politicians in DC. In the old days you would be run out of town on a rail or hung like a horse thief.” I replied “A Zoning Officer may not be well-liked, but tries to maintain peace and balance in society. Besides, being a Zoning Officer is not a job but an adventure!”

As your Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer, there is nothing more disheartening then advising a resident or business owner that the plans they have, or work they have completed, does not meet the current guidelines of our Zoning & Ordinances. The Township Staff is here to help. We are a solution based township, looking to work closely with our residents and business owners to help them attain their goals and dreams. If you are considering a new business, an addition on your home, a new structure on your property or any expansion of an approved use, please contact me first. I am here to help. A little bit of planning - will go a long way.

Building Department Rich Tussel, Building Inspector 570-685-2990 Ext: 17 Fax: 570-685-2550 building@lackawaxentownshippa.gov

Zoning/CodeEnforcement Department Jim Dolan, Zoning Officer 570-685-2990 Ext. 12 Fax: 570-685-2550 Answering service- 570-226-2344 code@lackawaxentownshippa.gov

Commercial Building / Electrical Inspector Todd Klikus 570-493-1229 Todd@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: By appointment only

Sewage Department Sewage Officer Jim Dolan 570-685-2990 Ext. 12 Fax: 570-685-2550 Answering service- 570-226-2344 code@lackawaxentownshippa.gov Hours: Mon.- 8:30-10:30 am Tues.- By Appt • Wed.- 8:30-10:30am Thurs.- By Appt • Fri.- By Appt Sat. and Sun. CLOSED

Road Department Richard Krochta, Roadmaster 570-685-3200 Fax: 570-685-2550 Emergency/After Hours: 570-685-7822 Roadmaster@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7am-3pm

Secretary/Administrative Office Camille James, Secretary Camille@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: Mon, Wed., Fri. 8am-4pm

Treasurer Robert Cocchi 570-685-7288 Bob@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: By appointment only 169 Urban Road Hawley, PA 18428

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

PAGE 3

Township News Road Department News

Meetings & Events

By Richard Krochta, Roadmaster

Spring has Sprung. With the first day of spring behind us (March 20th, 2014) and the hope winter is not too much more in our future, we look forward to this wonderful, long awaited season. Your Road Department was in overdrive this past winter. The barrage of snow, sleet, freezing rain and more snow, sleet and freezing rain kept your road department on its toes. Aside from the occasional misstep, we believe we have served Lackawaxen Township well during this winter. Keeping our roads open and passable during winter’s challenges has been and is our primary goal. We hope we have honored our obligation to keep the roads of Lackawaxen in good condition.

travel along Case Road in the Welcome Lake area of Lackawaxen, you have noticed the bridge has been turned into a one lane bridge. This is because one of the wing walls has broken off and twisted one of the concrete beams. PennDot made the call that the bridge is left this way until repairs could be made. Depending on the bids that come in for the Westcolang Culvert Project, our hopes are that this will be the next road work project.

Living Lackawaxen

Regular maintenance of our roads will continue as usual.

The grading of our dirt and gravel roads, the cleaning of ditches and debris is all part of this maintenance. Within our arsenal of Township Assets is a new 60’ boom tree trimming vehicle. This vehicle will provide a safe work environment for our road crew to tackle the common task of removing semi fallen trees and branches that are hung up in other limbs and may fall onto our roadways and threaten the safety of passersby’s. In the past, we have worked to remove these trees and limbs from the ground.

Now we are able to safely manage this work with less risk to our road crew.

Parks & Recreation

Looking forward, we have more work to do. With the freezing and thawing of our roads during winter 2014, many potholes have been created. We plan to correct these flaws as the signs of winter freezing and thawing are solidly behind us. The first major road work plan for 2014 is the replacement of two culvert pipes located along Westcolang Road by the Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP) pumping station. Two culverts will be removed and a single larger culvert will replace them. This will be a challenging project since the culverts will be installed above the current underground Gas Pipeline.

The Township will request the bids for this work. The use of Cranes is required. The time frame for this work is late June. Based on the stability of the ground around the work area, there may be only one lane open. The road work should take approximately 1 week.

Our next project will be the Bridge on Case Road in Welcome Lake. As some of our residents that

Lastly, understanding the difference between State and Township roads is important. The State roads within the township include, Route 590, the Towpath, Route 434, Welcome Lake Road, Rowland Road, Plank Road (SR1014), Greely Lake Road and Market Road to name a few. A sure sign of traveling on a State Road is that you will see a 6x6 white sign with the letters SR and a number along the road. Though the Township does plow and manage some of these roads during the winter, we do this as a sub contactor.

Regular maintenance including side grading, pot hole repair and paving is the responsibility of the State and not the township. If you have questions or concerns regarding these state roads, please contact 570-2967193. As we move forward, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the road crew or myself at 570-685-3200, this number is for Monday thru Friday 7am to 3pm. After these hours we do have a phone that will get one of the road crew which is 570-685-7822 after 3pm and weekends.

A Message from the SEO

By Jim Dolan, Lackawaxen Township Sewage Enforcement Officer The general theme for Lackawaxen Township’s first Newsletter is SPRING, and therefore spring cleaning. Pumping of your septic tank is a good example of this, as well as the first step in the overall maintenance of your entire septic system. A septic tank accumulates solids (sludge) at the bottom of the tank and a filmy layer at the top of the tank.

The frequency of pumping depends on tank size and household size (number of bedrooms). A good general rule of thumb is pumping every three to five years. Pumping also provides the opportunity to inspect the tank itself for any problems such as corroded older metal tanks which can allow solids or impurities to clog the drain field.

purchasing land for the purpose of new construction: Repair or Modification of an existing Septic System.

So if you, your family, your neighbors or friends have a question regarding a Septic System, please contact me first. Going it alone may only put you knee deep in, well, you know what I mean.

• Building

es and Rela om t

19

ships • ion

H

There are many things in life that we would rather just not have to talk about. One of them is Household Sewage. Like a good friend, when this subject arises, I am here to help! You need to think of me when you are planning any of the following items: New home or business construction; Expanding the square footage of your current home or business; Prior to

63 • 2014

New Homes Additions Renovations HIC 006369

WWW.EDNIKLES.COM CALL NOW! 570.296.9200 PAGE 4

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

A Message from the Emergency Management Services Coordinator Wayne Rosengrant has been appointed to the position of Emergency Management Services Coordinator (EMSC) by the Lackawaxen Township Board of Supervisors.

Story provided by Sheldon Langer

"My job and this responsibility as EMSC is a vital one to the community, as it is a role to ensure Lackawaxen Township is capable of responding to a wide variety of natural, man-made and technological disasters.” Said Wayne Rosengrant, Lackawaxen Township EMSC, “ In this role, I am responsible for coordinating the plans and operational readiness of the various components of the emergency management system within Lackawaxen Township, which includes fire, police, emergency medical services, public works, parks and recreation, volunteers and other groups contributing to the management of emergencies.”

Wayne Rosengrant

“My goal as EMSC is to be sure all of our EMS services are prepared no matter the size or severity of an emergency incident, to ensure every participant does a fantastic job of helping when one of us is in need and commending them for their efforts. It is my hope that together we can bring more volunteers into each department and put Lackawaxen Township at the forefront of emergency response.” said Wayne, “Service to the community and giving back when possible is what being a good citizen is all about. When asked to become the new EMSC, I was honored but first considered my family, work and other community commitments first. It was after thoughtful consideration, I realized this was the next natural step my life. A life of service requires balance, dedication and commitment. I was ready.”

The Lackawaxen Township Fire Commission And What It Means To You

By John Kerkowski The Board of Supervisors formed the Lackawaxen Township Fire Commission almost five years ago.

Since that time, while its membership has changed somewhat from the founding resolution, its mission remains unchanged - to address, among other things, the issues of administration, utilization of assets, fund raising, training and equipment for its member volunteers, Central, Forest and Lackawaxen VFD's, as well as the EMS Squad.

Working together under the Commission charter, the departments have achieved significant results, both financially and administratively.

By consolidating the annual fund appeal for the three VFD's, Commission has eliminated duplication in mailing and printing costs while freeing up valuable volunteer time that can be used in other areas such as training.

The residents of Lackawaxen Township are to be commended for their responses to this initiative which has resulted in $14,500 being donated to each department this part year. As a matter of fact, the 2014 drive has already been sent out and it goes without saying that your continued generosity will be most appreciated by everyone involved.

In another area, the Commission has helped not only its VFD members, but the EMS realize significant savings in their insurance premiums. By setting up a single joint policy covering the Commission and its members collectively, total premium cost was reduced by over $20,000 with no reduction in coverage. In the process, average departmental savings were as much as 50% compared to what they

WASD Emergency Responders Club

had been paying previously on an individual basis.

As a result, they were able to redirect that money toward other areas such as new equipment, operating expenses and debt reduction.

The Commission's actions have not all been monetary, however. They've also worked on preparing uniform Standard Operating Guidelines for use by its members as well as a standard application form that can be used by all departments to ensure consistency in the selection and evaluation of new volunteers.

Aside from looking at what the Commission has done, you might also be interested in their plans for the future. Among other things, these include consolidated fuel purchasing to help reduce the vehicle operating costs of its members, grant applications to secure additional funding to support the work of our volunteers and development of an asset inventory system to better monitor maintenance and repair of the myriad different types of equipment needed to be able to respond to almost any 911 emergency call.

Four years ago, local emergency service personnel and Dr. Joann Hudak, WASD Assistant Superintendent, recognized that our communities needed to begin educating students about what it takes to become a first responder volunteer. First Responder volunteerism has been on the decline for many years. To assist in the Recruitment and Retention of volunteers, Wallenpaupack formed the Emergency Responder Club.

Its purpose is to create awareness for students who are interested in Emergency Response careers, to provide hands-on training, to learn new information, and meet a variety of emergency service personnel.

Here are some of the monthly, real life scenarios our club members have participated in or experienced: Ice Rescue; Crime Scene Investigation; Traffic Stops; Vehicle Extrication; Search and Rescue; Geisinger Life Flight; Emergency Management Operations. We also promote and encourage our students to volunteer in their communities. Although the Emergency Responder Club is growing each year, the need for young volunteers is remains critical.

We should commend and recognize our volunteers for their dedication and service to their community.

For without them, the cost and associated tax increases to cover the services they provide, would balloon.

To be a member, students must simply be interested in the topic or volunteerism. If you know or a middle school or high school age child they may be interested in this program, please contact WASD Career Coordinator, Colleen Edwards.

Ms. Edwards can be reached at (570) 226-4557, ext. 3007, or by email edwardco@wallenpaupack.org.

Consistent with its Vision Statement, the Commission has been working to promote a mutually beneficial relationship between itself and its respective membership for the betterment of all Township residents.

Based on their achievements to date, it would appear they've been doing an outstanding job. Let's wish them every success in the future and support them whenever we can.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

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LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

Living Lackawaxen LACKAWAXEN TOWNSHIP’S ANNUAL SPRING

Cheaper Energy is Here!

Parks & Recreation

CLEAN UP DAY SATURDAY MAY 31ST 10AM-2PM • RAIN OR SHINE

Lackawaxen Township Municipal Building 169 Urban Rd., Hawley PA Township residents and property owners only.

Must show proof of residence, IE: drivers license or property tax bill. No items will be accepted before or after clean up day.

METAL GOODS & PARTS: With the exception that all materials are free of lubricants and other fluids.

APPLIANCES: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers are acceptable for an additional Freon charge.

FURNITURE: Sofas, chairs, mattresses and wood furniture.

NO TIRES. NO DEMOLITION, CONSTRUCTION OR COMMERCIAL WASTE, NO VEHICLES OR NON-METAL HOUSEHOLD GOODS. NO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACCEPTED. PRICES: Auto trunk load................................................. $10 Pick up and small trailer/van load.................. $15 (larger trucks and trailers will be charged according to volume) Appliances & hot water heaters...............$15 ea.

Lackawaxen Township has an opportunity to join a fast growing number of Municipalities in Pennsylvania that are being offered the opportunity to be part of a natural gas distribution program administered by UGI Penn Natural Gas and enjoy year round reasonable energy costs.

Living in Lackawaxen Township, we see the pipelines, we hear about the fracking, but as local residents, we have not directly seen the benefits. The bulk of the natural gas produced in PA. is sent off to far-away places along with the economic benefits. Imagine if Lackawaxen Township could benefit from Pennsylvania’s Natural Gas Boom? Imagine a time whereby our residents were able to reduce their energy costs. Imagine if local businesses were able to reduce their energy expenses, freeing up capital to create more job opportunities for our area? This is all now possible for Lackawaxen Township.

This is not Fracking, but an opportunity for homeowners and businesses to take advantage of the right of ways given to the Tennessee Gas Pipeline within our Township and to receive direct natural gas connections to their homes and businesses.

A vast supply of energy at reasonable prices is now available. The Board of Supervisors was first made aware of this opportunity by lifelong Lackawaxen Township resident, Jerry Wicknes. Upon Jerry sharing his research with us, the BOS contacted UGI Penn Natural Gas Marketing Director, Donald Brominski to discuss the matter.

Mr. Brominski advised the BOS that the first step in identifying and considering a community along the Tennessee Pipeline Corridor for Natural Gas Distribution is have local residents begin to show in interest in receiving direct connections for Natural Gas. Showing an interest is not a commitment. Since this opportunity is in the early stages, Mr. Brominski is in the process of creating a Presentation and is willing to come visit our Township and share the details of this opportunity with our community. We will advise when a date is confirmed.

If you, your friends, your neighbors or family members are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please visit www.ugi.com/getgas and click the “I’m Interested” link. If you are interested in receiving Natural Gas at your home or business and do not have access to the internet, please contact the Township Building and we will arrange an appointment for you to come in and we will help you access and complete the form online.

Freon surcharge.................................. $15 per unit Sofas.............................................................$15 ea.

Chairs............................................................$10 ea.

Mattress & box spring....................... $20 per set If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Camille James, your Township Secretary, during normal business hours, Mon., Wed., Fri. 8am-4pm.

If you have any questions outside normal business hours, you may leave a message for Camille at 570685-7288 or you may send an email to her with your question to: camille@lackawaxentownshippa.gov.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

PAGE 7

New Funding Package Improves Roads, Bridges, & Public Safety Warmer weather is just around the corner, and no matter where you live or travel in Pennsylvania, you’re going to see many more road and bridge projects springing to life. It’s all because state lawmakers did something last fall that had been talked about for years: Following Gov. Tom Corbett’s lead, they enacted a $2.3 billion transportation funding package that’s expected to greatly improve public safety, create jobs — up to 50,000 — and encourage business growth and development.

And while this is good news for Pennsylvania, it’s even better news for municipalities, which are responsible for more roads miles — 77,000 — than the state Department of Transportation, which oversees 44,000 miles. Secretary of Transportation Barry Schoch says it was time for the commonwealth to move forward with a spending plan. “Ultimately, we have a responsibility for public safety,” he says, “and had to choose whether

to make the investment now or continue to put it off for future generations.”

Benefits spread from local roads to state highways

No doubt, the new revenues will make a marked difference in our township and others, many of which, faced with rising transportation costs and stagnant state funding, had been slapping Band-Aids on roads and bridges for decades to prolong their life.

The new funding package, however, will deliver a two-thirds increase in the annual liquid fuels payments that municipalities receive. This state funding, which helps our township pay for road projects and purchase materials such as salt, will increase by $237 million annually after the law is fully enacted in five years.

Significantly more money is in the pipeline, too, to

improve dirt, gravel, and low-volume roads, aging bridges, and outdated traffic signals. A higher prevailing wage threshold for local road and bridge projects, another key provision in the funding package, will also enable townships to save money and schedule more work.

In addition to all of this, the plan is going to direct another $1.2 billion a year to improve state-owned infrastructure.

“There are 25,000 bridges in Pennsylvania, and 650 are posted with weight limits and 18 percent are obsolete.

We have another 9,000 miles of state roads that are in bad shape. We kept banging away at that message, and it finally, finally sunk in.”

This includes widening a section of Route 22 in Allentown; rehabbing part of Route 219 near Johnstown; upgrading Interchange Road in suburban Erie; resurfacing sections of Route 22 in northern Washington County; widening Route 202 in East Norriton and Whitpain Townships, Montgomery County; and extending Route 424 to connect Interstate 81 to Humboldt Industrial Park near Hazleton.

PennDOT also plans to spend $782 million for three Interstate 83-related projects in the Harrisburg area and $761 million to relocate U.S. Route 322 from the top of Seven Mountains to Boalsburg in Centre County, southeast of State College.

In addition to improving public safety, Schoch says, the transportation funding will benefit the economy by making Pennsylvania competitive with surrounding states, such as Maryland and Virginia, which recently passed their own funding initiatives.

“This measure sent a clear message to the business community,” he said on the day of passage. “We need to rebuild and take care of Pennsylvania’s transportation system, which all of us own.”

‘This is a huge deal’

The last time Pennsylvania made a major investment in PAGE 8

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

transportation was nearly two decades ago, in 1997, when it enacted a 3½-cent increase in the state’s gasoline tax, a fickle levy that fluctuates with prices and demand.

In the meantime, the commonwealth’s interstate transportation network, much of which was built in the 1950s during the Eisenhower administration, has continued to age and weaken, and it’s been harder and harder financially for state and local officials to stay on top of the problems.

In 2013, for instance, PennDOT imposed new stricter weight restrictions on 1,000 state and local bridges to slow the deterioration — a move that increased detours, which added potentially life-threatening minutes to emergency response times and hindered the flow of goods and services.

Common sense prevailed

Within the next five years, the funding package will generate billions more a year for roads, bridges, and mass transit by uncapping the state’s oil franchise tax, increasing various traffic fines, fees, and surcharges, and eliminating the cents-per-gallon gas tax.

“The stars aligned because I think the legislature came to the realization that it had to address [transportation] sooner, rather than later,” says Jason Wagner, managing director of the Pennsylvania Highway Information Association and director of policy and government

relations for Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, an organization for road and bridge builders.

In other words, common sense prevailed, says Rep. Nicholas Micozzie, who took over as chair of the House Transportation Committee just weeks before Act 89’s passage. “There are 25,000 bridges in Pennsylvania, and 650 are posted with weight limits and 18 percent are obsolete. We have another 9,000 miles of state roads that are in bad shape,” Micozzie says. “We kept banging away at that message, and it finally, finally sunk in.”

The ever-worsening situation prompted local government and business leaders, among others, to urge the General Assembly to not only develop a long-term, sustainable funding stream to support transportation but also to address the needs of the entire system — everything from local roads and bridges to highways, railroads, and ports. As a result, lawmakers made several attempts to initiate comprehensive transportation reforms; however, the proposals stalled repeatedly.

The most recent example unfolded this past summer when a billion-dollar transportation funding bill received nearly unanimous support in the Senate but fizzled in the House. Political fear about increasing the price of gasoline, which has flirted with $4 a gallon, has been at the root of this and other failures. However, as 2013 drew to a close, something shifted in Harrisburg, and those requests for a multi-layered transportation funding package became a reality.

“This is a huge deal,” Sen. John Rafferty, majority chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, says. “It’s the most significant piece of infrastructure legislation that’s been done in 20-plus years.”

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

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LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

Eagle

Watch

By Joe Bezyak

Eagle Joe was born and raised in a in Scotch Plains, NJ, 40 minutes Affectionately known as Eagle Joe, he has west of NYC. Since a very young age, Joe and his sister visited Lackawaxen with been photographing Local Bald Eagles along their father to visit his friends and enjoy all that Lackawaxen has to offer. At this the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers for as young age, Joe acquired a camera and began photography “Lackawaxen was the perfect setting far as anyone can remember. for a young impressionable kid. The lakes, streams, rivers and abundance of wildlife was just perfect!” said Joe Bezyak, “I have a passion for this area, I was hooked at a young age and I still am. “ In 2007, Eagle Joe retired and moved to the Greeley area of Lackawaxen Township. Since that time, his reputation as a photographer of the Eagles along the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers has soared! Many of his photos are proudly displayed in our local restaurants, bars, businesses and Deli’s. When visiting our local establishments, take a minute to look at the pictures on the walls, you may be lucky enough to view one of Eagle Joe’s.

“Now that I am retired, I frequently head down to the rivers in the hopes of catching a glimpse of and take a photo of a willing Bald Eagle. Over the years, I have made a lot of great friends and memories here in Lackawaxen. Friends and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” said Joe. Enjoy the Photos !

Lackawaxen Township Outdoors

By Ron Tussel The opening days of trout season are to anglers what the opening days of deer season are to hunters!

Millions of anglers will soon be lined up along area waters statewide for opening day events, and again this year we are able to cash in on two of those.

more kids interested in fishing, the Fish and Boat Commission started the Mentored Youth Trout Days to allow kids a chance to get hooked up before everyone else invades the area waterways, with hopes of giving them an increased chance at success.

The southeastern corner of Pennsylvania had a separate opening day for trout anglers on March 29 in 18 counties. The remaining counties, including Pike, enjoyed opening day on April 12. This year the Fish and Boat Commission stocked about 3.2 million adult trout for anglers to have a chance at, and among the stockings there was a percentage of trophy specimens placed in area waters. Lackawaxen Township is a target location for anglers from the tri-state region as they come here to key in on such famous freestone streams as the Lackawaxen River, Masthope Creek, Decker Brook and more.

The Mentored Youth Trout Days were held March 22, and April 5, 2014, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 7:30PM on specified waters. For Pike County, Lily Pond provided the April 5 opportunity for our young anglers.

But the young anglers get an even earlier crack at some of those millions of trout! In an effort to get

and makes a fun, family outdoor project. It takes forty gallons of maple sap to turn out one gallon of syrup, but it is worth it! The tick, sweet, amber colored product is so rich in maple flavor that it compliments everything from pancakes to ice cream, candy and glazed ham!

From Lackawaxen Township, headed east on Route 6 toward Milford and turned onto Shocopee Road to find Lily Pond at the County Park. The other locations included in the program were mapped on the agency website.

Spring is also a time when many Lackawaxen residents take part in the age-old tradition of making maple syrup. Tapping sugar maples is not difficult

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING 2014

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